Keurig Mini vs Keurig Mini Plus: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re a coffee lover or someone who enjoys a quick, convenient cup of coffee, chances are you’ve come across Keurig coffee makers. These single-serve coffee machines have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a simple way to brew your favorite beverages. The Keurig Mini and Keurig Mini Plus are two popular options in the Keurig lineup. But with similar names and features, choosing between the two can be a little tricky. Should you go for the Keurig Mini or opt for the Keurig Mini Plus? In this article, we’ll compare these two coffee makers in detail to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What Are Keurig Mini and Keurig Mini Plus?

Before diving into a comparison of the Keurig Mini and the Keurig Mini Plus, it’s important to understand what these machines are all about. Both of these coffee makers belong to Keurig’s smaller, compact lineup, designed for people who want a more portable, space-saving brewing solution. These machines are perfect for tight kitchen spaces, small apartments, offices, dorm rooms, and even RVs.

The Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are designed to make single cups of coffee or other beverages using Keurig’s K-Cups. K-Cups are pre-measured coffee pods filled with coffee grounds, tea, hot chocolate, or other drinks, making it incredibly easy to brew a cup of coffee without worrying about measurements, filters, or mess. All you need to do is pop a K-Cup into the machine, add water, and press a button – and you’ll have a delicious cup of coffee in minutes.

While both machines offer the same core functionality, there are key differences in features, size, and performance that set the two apart. Let’s explore the details of the Keurig Mini and the Keurig Mini Plus to help you decide which one suits your lifestyle.

Keurig Mini: A Compact Coffee Maker with Simplicity

The Keurig Mini, also known as the Keurig K-Mini, is a streamlined, entry-level coffee maker that’s perfect for people who don’t want anything too complicated but still want the convenience of a Keurig machine. It is one of the smallest models in the Keurig lineup, standing at only 12.1 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide, making it ideal for people who have limited countertop space. Despite its small size, it still delivers excellent performance, making it an ideal choice for individuals who value convenience and portability.

Key Features of the Keurig Mini

Compact Design: One of the main attractions of the Keurig Mini is its compact size. It fits in small spaces and can easily be stored in a cabinet or placed on a crowded counter without taking up much room. Its slim profile makes it an excellent choice for people living in apartments, dorms, or anyone looking to save space.

Simple Brewing Process: The Keurig Mini uses a one-button brewing system. It’s as simple as adding water, inserting your K-Cup, and pressing a button. The machine takes about 2 minutes to brew a cup, making it one of the fastest ways to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

Single Cup Brew: The Keurig Mini brews one cup at a time, which can be seen as an advantage for individuals who don’t need large pots of coffee. It also ensures you have a fresh cup every time, without worrying about coffee getting cold.

Water Reservoir: The Keurig Mini has a small, removable water reservoir. It can hold enough water for a single cup, so you’ll need to refill it each time you brew. This isn’t a major inconvenience for most users, especially since the machine is designed for single-serve use.

Multiple Brew Sizes: With the Keurig Mini, you can choose between two brew sizes, typically 6 oz or 8 oz. This allows you to adjust the strength and size of your coffee depending on your preference.

Affordable: The Keurig Mini is typically priced lower than other Keurig models, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.

Removable Drip Tray: For added convenience, the Keurig Mini has a removable drip tray, which makes it easier to clean and allows you to use taller travel mugs for your coffee.

Pros of the Keurig Mini

• Space-saving design: It’s a great option for people who need a compact coffee maker that won’t take up much room.
• User-friendly: The simple one-button brewing process makes it easy for even first-time coffee makers to use.
• Affordable: Priced lower than other models, it’s a great option for people looking for an entry-level coffee maker.

Cons of the Keurig Mini

• Small water reservoir: Since it only holds enough water for one cup, it requires more frequent refills.
• Limited brew sizes: While you can select between 6 oz and 8 oz options, the Keurig Mini doesn’t offer as many brew size options as some other models.
• No Strong Brew Option: Unlike some higher-end models, the Keurig Mini doesn’t have a “strong brew” feature for people who prefer stronger coffee.

Keurig Mini Plus: More Power in a Compact Package

The Keurig Mini Plus is a step up from the original Keurig Mini. While it retains the same compact size and overall design, it offers a few additional features that make it a more premium option. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the Mini Plus apart from the regular Mini.

Key Features of the Keurig Mini Plus

Keurig Strong Brew Setting: One of the most notable upgrades in the Keurig Mini Plus is the inclusion of the Strong Brew setting. This feature allows you to brew a more robust cup of coffee, perfect for those who enjoy a stronger, bolder flavor. This extra customization is a big perk for coffee enthusiasts who prefer stronger brews.

Brews Faster: The Keurig Mini Plus is designed to brew your coffee a little faster than the original Mini. While the difference is minimal (only about 30 seconds), it does mean you can get your coffee even quicker when you’re in a rush.

Quiet Brew Technology: The Mini Plus comes equipped with Keurig’s Quiet Brew Technology, which ensures that the brewing process is much quieter compared to older models, like the Keurig Mini. If you’re someone who doesn’t like noisy machines early in the morning, this could be a big selling point.

Updated Design: The Keurig Mini Plus features a slightly more modern design than the original Keurig Mini. While both models are compact, the Mini Plus has a sleeker, more streamlined look, which may appeal to users who value aesthetics as much as function.

Strong, Removable Water Reservoir: Like the original Keurig Mini, the Mini Plus has a small water reservoir, but it is designed to be even easier to remove and refill. It also includes a reservoir lock to prevent spills, ensuring that you have a more secure and smooth experience when refilling the water tank.

Single Cup Brew with Adjustable Strength: Like the Keurig Mini, the Mini Plus brews a single cup of coffee at a time, but the addition of the Strong Brew setting gives you more control over the flavor intensity of your drink.

More Color Options: The Keurig Mini Plus often comes in a wider range of color options than the standard Keurig Mini, giving you more flexibility to choose a model that fits your kitchen or personal style.

Pros of the Keurig Mini Plus

• Strong Brew feature: The ability to brew stronger coffee is a big advantage for people who enjoy bold flavors.
• Quiet brewing: The quieter brewing process makes the Mini Plus a more peaceful choice for morning coffee.
• Sleek design: Its updated, stylish design fits seamlessly into modern kitchens and countertops.
• Faster brewing: The slight improvement in brewing speed means you won’t have to wait as long for your coffee.

Cons of the Keurig Mini Plus

• More expensive: The Keurig Mini Plus is priced higher than the regular Mini, which could be a factor if you’re on a tight budget.
• Still limited to single cups: Although it has added features, the Mini Plus is still a single-serve machine, meaning you can’t brew larger amounts of coffee.

Key Differences Between Keurig Mini and Keurig Mini Plus

To help you decide between the two models, here’s a quick comparison of the key differences:

• Brewing Options: The Keurig Mini offers two brew sizes (6 oz and 8 oz), while the Mini Plus includes a Strong Brew option for a stronger cup and the same 6 oz and 8 oz brew sizes.
• Brew Speed: The Mini Plus brews slightly faster than the Keurig Mini.
• Noise Level: The Mini Plus is quieter due to its Quiet Brew Technology.
• Design: The Mini Plus features a more modern, streamlined design.
• Price: The Mini Plus is generally more expensive than the Keurig Mini, though the exact price can vary.

I Hope This Helps You Choose the Right Keurig Model. Whether you prefer the straightforward simplicity of the Keurig Mini or the added features of the Mini Plus, both machines deliver the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker in a compact package. Consider what features matter most to you—whether it’s the ability to brew stronger coffee, quieter operation, or a more affordable price—and make your decision based on your specific needs. Both models provide a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy your favorite beverages.

Are These Questions in Your Mind?

Is it easy to clean the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus?

Yes, both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are easy to clean. They feature removable drip trays and water reservoirs, which make maintenance simple. Regular cleaning of the water reservoir and occasional descaling are recommended for optimal performance.

Can I use reusable K-Cups with the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus?

Yes, both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are compatible with reusable K-Cups. You can purchase reusable pods and fill them with your preferred coffee grounds, which is a more eco-friendly option than using single-use pods.

Do I need to use bottled water with the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus?

While bottled water is not required, using filtered or bottled water can improve the taste of your coffee, especially if you live in an area with hard tap water. Hard water can build up in your machine over time, affecting performance.

Is it possible to brew iced coffee with the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus?

Yes, you can brew iced coffee using both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus. Simply brew your coffee over a glass filled with ice, and enjoy a chilled cup of coffee. There are also specialty K-Cups designed for iced coffee.

Can the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus be used for tea or hot chocolate?

Yes, both machines can be used to brew tea, hot chocolate, or other beverages that use K-Cups. Simply choose the corresponding K-Cup flavor and brew as usual.

Is it better to buy the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus for a small apartment?

For small apartments, both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are great options due to their compact size. If you want a slightly more powerful coffee-making experience and quieter operation, the Mini Plus may be a better choice, but the Keurig Mini is a more affordable option.

Do I need a special adapter for travel mugs with the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus?

Both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus come with a removable drip tray, which allows you to use taller travel mugs. No special adapter is necessary for most travel mugs, although some extra-large mugs might still not fit.

Can I adjust the temperature of the water on the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus?

Unfortunately, neither the Keurig Mini nor the Mini Plus allows you to adjust the water temperature. The machines automatically heat the water to an optimal brewing temperature.

Is it easy to refill the water reservoir on both models?

Yes, both models feature removable water reservoirs that are easy to fill. However, the Keurig Mini Plus has a more secure water reservoir design, preventing spills during refilling.

Can the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus be used in an office setting?

Both machines are excellent for office use due to their small size and single-serve functionality. If you need to brew coffee quickly in a shared office space, the Keurig Mini or Mini Plus can be a convenient choice.